Las Vegas Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Michael Saxe is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Pediatric Dentistry.


Q. When should parents take their children to have their first checkup?

A. Following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry the child’s first visit should be at 12 Months of age.

Q. What should be used to clean a baby’s teeth?

A. You can use a soft wash cloth, or infant soft toothbrush, with a non fluoridated toothpaste.

Q. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A. It is universally acknowledged that Primary or "baby" teeth are very different than permanent or "adult" teeth. Pediatric Dentists are specially trained and are required to complete a two year residency program in addition to the standard four years of dental school.

Pediatric Dentists are, essentially, "Pediatricians of the Mouth." Just as most enlightened and caring parents choose to have their children treated by a Pediatrician, instead of their adult doctor, Pediatric Dentists are better educated and equipped to treat children and childhood diseases and, through specialized education, training and experience, are aware of the differences and the oral problems that are most common to children.

For example, many family or general dentists do NOT advise parents to have their children examined beginning at age one and instead, wait to examine children at age three or four. Pediatric Dentists know that this delay in examination and potential treatment is unacceptable and potentially harmful to your child’s oral health.

Primary teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they erupt into the mouth. The science of Pediatric Dentistry has proven that waiting until ages three or four is often too late to discuss prevention as many of these young children already have cavities.

In addition, many very young children fall and injure their mouths and should be seen to assess the problem. Pediatric Dentists are equipped with the proper size instruments and X-ray films to evaluate the oral trauma.

Pediatric Dentists understand how the mouth and teeth should develop and are able to detect and even prevent problems that occur at an early age.

Finally and most importantly, Pediatric Dentists are trained in the behavior management of the child - at any age. This allows our Doctors and our staff to treat your child in a professional, kind and empathetic manner which will empower them to look forward to their next visit to the dentist.

Q. What should a parent do if their child has a toothache?

A. When babies are teething, usually between the ages of four months and 2.5 years, they often have sore and tender gums. The pain usually can be soothed by gently rubbing the baby’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze. A clean teething ring for the baby to chew on also may be helpful. If Pain is due to dental infection, with facial swelling, seek immediate treatment with a quick care, or hospital. See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. 

Q. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

A. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.

Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist.

A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:

Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not.
Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.

Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.

Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.

Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.

If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your pediatric dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance.

Q. How can a mom prevent decay caused by nursing?

A. Infants and children who sleep with a bottle containing anything but water are in danger of developing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Nursing Decay. Pacifiers dipped in sugar or honey are equally dangerous. Nursing after 12 months of age also puts the teeth at risk. While a child sleeps the salivary process slows, which allows liquids remaining in the mouth to pool around the sleeping child’s teeth. Sugars in the liquid combine with bacteria in the mouth to form acid that dissolves the immature enamel. Newly erupted first teeth are highly susceptible to decay. Unfortunately, it does not take long for extensive tooth decay to develop. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is easy to prevent. The following steps will help your child avoid this painful condition:

You are not the only person who cares for your child. Warn grandparents and other care givers about the hazards of lulling young children and infants to sleep with bottles and sweetened pacifiers.

Remember to massage and cleanse your infant’s gums with a soft cloth or piece of gauze after each feeding. Your pediatric dentist can demonstrate the best position and technique.

Visit your pediatric dentist between the arrival of the first tooth and the first birthday. The first visit will focus on prevention, teaching, and any questions you have. This is similar to a well baby visit with your pediatrician.

Encourage your child to drink from a cup when she is between 9 and 12 months old.
 
Q. How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A. First visit is recommended at 12 months of age, once a year till age 4, then every 6 months after.

Q. How to contact Dr. Saxe, if you have further questions?

A. Dr. Michael Saxe

8710  West Charleston Blvd, Suite 100

Las Vegas, NV 89117

702-255-0133

www.achildrensdentist.com